Probe on Capitol's aid outside Cebu underway

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas is looking into Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s spending of the Capitol funds outside the province.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol said they can start the investigation as soon as a formal complaint is filed. The anti-graft office is also empowered to investigate based media reports and even anonymous complaint.

Apostol however said he will retrieve the media reports on Garcia’s release of Capitol funds as financial assistance to the other provinces and assess if they can already start with the investigation.

Apostol explained that the anti-graft office can investigate on matters involving public funds. The Capitol has released a total of P27 million as financial assistance to at least seven local government units hit by calamities. The amount was part of the Capitol’s P87 million calamity fund.

The recipients included the provinces of Albay and Ilocos Norte, the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Dumaguete and Tanjay as well as the municipality of Valencia in Negros Oriental.

Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy raised the issue in a privilege speech earlier saying that the disbursements of the money did not have the approval of the board.

Provincial Board secretary Anecita Pasaylo certified that the assistance given by Garcia was not discussed by the members of the board. Garcia however said there was no need for the approval of the board because it was part of the 2011 budget previously approved by the legislative department.

Garcia said that the matter was also resolved with the Commission on Audit during their exit conference. — (FREEMAN)